Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Motorola Moto G04s. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table that compares the key specs, with an emphasis on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Poco M5 is slightly larger and thicker, which might feel less comfortable in hand, while G04s is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 201g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.56" | Practically the same screen size; no noticeable difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 720 x 1612 | Poco M5 provides a sharper, more detailed display, better for reading text, viewing photos, and overall visual clarity. |
| PPI | 401 | 269 | Poco M5 has noticeably crisper visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have good color reproduction but blacks won't be deep as on AMOLED screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness will be an issue in sunny days; not ideal for outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Poco M5's processor is much faster, offering a smoother experience, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 220,000 | Poco M5 is significantly more powerful, suitable for more demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Poco M5 has a more robust GPU for better graphics performance, important for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have the same main sensor, but differences will be present due to processing. |
| Sensor Size (Main) | 1/2.76" | 1/2.76" | Sensor size is the same |
| Pixel Size (Main) | 0.64 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | Moto G04s has larger individual pixels that helps with low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Both have comparable front-facing cameras, but pixel size may help Motorola in low light performance |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Poco M5 offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Poco M5 can take close up shots with the dedicated macro sensor. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilizer | 1080p@30fps, Yes Stabilizer | Moto G04s includes digital image stabilization and slow motion, while the Poco M5 lacks these. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Poco M5 charges a bit faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Moto G04s comes with a newer OS out of the box, while the Poco M5 may have one update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities for fast internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | 5.0 LE | Poco M5 has a newer Bluetooth version with more functionalities. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G04s offers also SUPL for location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Moto G04s has an optional larger storage option. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB | Poco M5 has an optional extra RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage in both phones. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos | Moto G04s offeres better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer fast and reliable fingerprint authentication. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both offer a suite of sensors, Moto G04s adds gyroscope. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5:
- Strengths: Significantly more powerful processor (Helio G99), higher resolution display, better for gaming and performance-intensive tasks, has depth and macro cameras.
- Competitive Advantage: Offers much better performance than the Moto G04s.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier, less-refined secondary camera, may receive only one major OS upgrade, no gyro.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Strengths: Lighter and more compact, newer OS (Android 14), better video stabilization and includes slow motion features, better pixel size for low light shots, Dolby Atmos and better screen protection.
- Competitive Advantage: More recent and lightweight with enhanced audio, screen protection and video recording capabilities.
- Trade-offs: Significantly less powerful processor, lower resolution display, single rear camera, less ram than one of the options from the competitor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, and sharper display quality.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, users who multitask often, those who enjoy media consumption on their phone.
- Consider If: You don’t mind a slightly heavier phone and prioritize raw power over fancy features.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a lighter and more comfortable phone, up-to-date software, enhanced video and audio recording and protection.
- Use Cases: Everyday users who mainly browse, use social media, and enjoy video recording with enhanced audio.
- Consider If: You don't require the highest performance and prefer the latest software version and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Performance vs. Portability: Do you prioritize raw speed, gaming, and the best possible display (Poco M5), or a lighter, more comfortable and better protected device with recent software (Moto G04s)?
- Camera Needs: Do you require multiple camera functionalities like depth and macro lenses (Poco M5), or you will be fine with one lens but great video and low-light performance (Moto G04s)?
- Software Updates and New Features: Is having the latest software (Android 14) with better audio and video recording a key factor (Moto G04s), or are you fine with an older version that may get one update, but more performance (Poco M5)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer - Choose the Xiaomi Poco M5. Its stronger processor and GPU, plus the higher refresh rate screen, offer a more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User - The Motorola Moto G04s is a better fit. It provides a smooth experience for social media, browsing, and light use, with the latest software and better protection.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - If you want to have fun experimenting with more camera sensors, then choose the Xiaomi Poco M5, if you just want to focus on the main camera with good low-light performance and better video recording features, then choose the Motorola Moto G04s.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M5. Here's why:
As a tech journalist who also enjoys a good gaming session, performance is paramount for me. The Helio G99 chipset in the Poco M5 offers a significant jump in power, which translates to smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more satisfying gaming experience. Plus, I enjoy the sharper display for reading and content consumption.
While the Moto G04s has the newer Android version, better protection, and offers some benefits in audio, video recording and low-light photography, the performance gap between the two is too big for me to ignore, especially since both phones have a similar price range. The Poco M5, despite being slightly older, is better suited to my more demanding needs as a tech enthusiast who needs power, screen quality and more camera functionalities.
Of course, the better choice depends on your personal needs, but I hope this comprehensive breakdown clarifies the differences.
Let me know if you have more questions or need more comparisons!
